Vigo County Criminal Records

What Is Vigo County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Vigo County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records encompass a comprehensive history of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions maintained by various law enforcement and judicial agencies throughout Vigo County, Indiana.

Criminal records are categorized by several important distinctions:

• Arrest vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of a criminal offense. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-5, arrest records are generally public information, though they do not necessarily indicate guilt.

• Felony vs. Misdemeanor: Felonies represent more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment of one year or more, while misdemeanors are less severe crimes typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration. The Indiana Judicial Branch maintains records of both categories of offenses processed through Vigo County courts.

• Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for adults (18 and older) are generally public, while juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed and confidential under Indiana Code § 31-39-1-2, with limited exceptions for serious offenses.

• Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions that have been resolved.

Several agencies maintain criminal records in Vigo County:

Vigo County Sheriff's Office
600 West Honey Creek Drive
Terre Haute, IN 47802
Phone: 812-462-3226
Vigo County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and operates the county jail facility that opened in 2022 with capacity for over 400 inmates.

Clerk of the Vigo Circuit Court
Vigo County Courthouse
33 S 3rd Street
Terre Haute, IN 47807
Phone: 812-231-4499
Clerk of the Vigo Circuit Court

The Clerk's Office maintains court case records, including criminal proceedings, dispositions, and sentencing information.

Indiana State Police
Criminal History Section
100 North Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-232-8263
Indiana State Police

The State Police maintain statewide criminal history information, including records from Vigo County.

Vigo County criminal records typically include documentation of:

• Arrests and bookings
• Formal charges filed
• Arraignments and initial hearings
• Plea agreements
• Trial proceedings and outcomes
• Sentencing information
• Probation and parole records

These records are maintained in accordance with Indiana Code § 5-14-3, which governs public records in the state.

Are Criminal Records Public In Vigo County

Criminal records in Vigo County are generally considered public information under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code § 5-14-3). This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

The Act states: "A public agency may not deny or interfere with the exercise of the right stated in subsection (a). The public agency shall either provide the requested copies to the person making the request or allow the person to make copies on the public agency's equipment or on the person's own equipment."

Public criminal records in Vigo County typically include:

• Adult arrest records
• Court dockets and case files
• Conviction records
• Sentencing information
• Incarceration records
• Sex offender registry information
• Current inmate rosters at the Vigo County Jail

However, certain criminal records are restricted from public access under state law. These restricted records include:

• Ongoing criminal investigations, as protected under IC § 5-14-3-4(b)(1)
• Juvenile records (with limited exceptions for serious offenses), as governed by IC § 31-39-1-2
• Records sealed or expunged by court order
• Grand jury proceedings and testimony
• Certain victim information, particularly in sensitive cases
• Records where disclosure would create a risk to public safety
• Information that would compromise the security of a correctional facility

The Vigo County court system maintains public access terminals at the courthouse where members of the public may search and view publicly available court records. Additionally, the Vigo County Sheriff's Office provides certain criminal record information through their website, including current jail inmate information.

It is important to note that while criminal records are generally public, the use of these records for certain purposes, such as employment or housing decisions, may be regulated by state and federal laws, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act and various anti-discrimination statutes.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Vigo County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Vigo County have several methods available to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining criminal records:

In-Person Requests at the Courthouse:

1. Visit the Vigo County Courthouse Court Records Division located at:

Vigo County Courthouse
33 S 3rd Street
Terre Haute, IN 47807
Phone: 812-231-4499
Court Records Division

2. Complete a public records request form, available at the clerk's counter.
3. Provide specific information about the record being sought, including:
   • Full name of the individual (including any known aliases)
   • Date of birth (if known)
   • Case number (if available)
   • Approximate date of the incident or court proceeding
4. Present valid government-issued photo identification.
5. Pay applicable fees for copies (currently $1.00 per page for standard copies).
6. For certified copies, additional fees apply (currently $1.00 per document plus $1.00 per page).

Mail Requests:

1. Download and complete the public records request form from the Vigo County Clerk's website.
2. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
3. Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees.
4. Mail the request to:

Clerk of the Vigo Circuit Court
Vigo County Courthouse
33 S 3rd Street
Terre Haute, IN 47807

Online Access:

1. Visit the Indiana Judicial Branch's myCase portal for Vigo County court records.
2. Create a user account if you don't already have one.
3. Search by name, case number, or citation number.
4. Note that while basic case information is available online, complete case files may require in-person inspection.

Criminal History Reports:

For comprehensive criminal history reports:

1. Visit the Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History Search portal.
2. Create an account and pay the required fee (currently $16.32 per search).
3. Provide the required identifying information for the subject.
4. Receive results electronically or by mail.

Jail Information:

For current inmate information:

1. Visit the Vigo County Sheriff's Office Jail Information page.
2. Use the inmate lookup tool to search by name.
3. Information typically includes booking date, charges, and bond information.

Pursuant to Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (IC § 5-14-3-3), agencies must respond to requests within seven calendar days. Complex requests may take additional time to fulfill.

How To Find Criminal Records in Vigo County Online?

Vigo County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital portals provide convenient access to various types of criminal record information without requiring an in-person visit to county offices.

myCase - Indiana Courts Online Portal

The primary online resource for court records in Vigo County is the myCase portal maintained by the Indiana Judicial Branch:

1. Navigate to the Indiana Judicial Branch's Vigo County page.
2. Select "Search court cases" or access myCase directly.
3. Registration is required for full access, though basic case information is viewable without an account.
4. Search parameters include:
   • Case number
   • Party name (first and last name required)
   • Citation number
   • Attorney bar number
5. Available information includes:
   • Case summaries
   • Charge information
   • Hearing dates
   • Court orders and judgments
   • Financial information (fines, fees, payments)
   • Party information

Vigo County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup

For current jail inmates and recent bookings:

1. Visit the Vigo County Sheriff's Office Jail Information page.
2. Access the inmate lookup tool.
3. Search by name (no registration required).
4. Information provided includes:
   • Inmate name and booking photo
   • Booking date
   • Charges
   • Bond information
   • Next court date (if scheduled)
   • Housing location within the facility

Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History

For comprehensive criminal history reports:

1. Access the Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History Search portal.
2. Create an account and pay the required fee (currently $16.32 per search).
3. Results include felony and Class A misdemeanor arrests within Indiana.
4. Information provided includes:
   • Arrest dates
   • Arresting agencies
   • Charges
   • Case dispositions (when available)

Indiana Sex and Violent Offender Registry

For sex offender registration information:

1. Visit the Indiana Sex and Violent Offender Registry.
2. Search by name or location (including Vigo County).
3. Information includes:
   • Offender photos and physical descriptions
   • Registered addresses
   • Conviction information
   • Compliance status

It is important to note that while these online resources provide significant access to criminal records, certain limitations exist:

• Some case documents may only be available for in-person inspection at the courthouse
• Juvenile records are generally not available online
• Expunged or sealed records will not appear in online searches
• Historical records (typically pre-2000) may have limited online availability
• Some sensitive case types may have restricted online access

Users should be aware that online records should be verified through official sources before making significant decisions based on the information obtained.

Can You Search Vigo County Criminal Records for Free?

Vigo County residents and members of the public have several options for accessing criminal records at no cost, though certain limitations apply. Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (IC § 5-14-3-8) establishes that while agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies, the inspection of public records must be permitted at no charge.

Free In-Person Record Inspection

The law mandates that public agencies must allow individuals to inspect public records during regular business hours. In Vigo County, free inspection is available at:

Vigo County Courthouse - Court Records Division
33 S 3rd Street
Terre Haute, IN 47807
Phone: 812-231-4499
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Court Records Division

Visitors may:

• Review case files and court records
• Take notes on record contents
• Use public access terminals to search the case management system
• View docket entries and case summaries

While inspection is free, standard copying fees apply if printed copies are requested (currently $1.00 per page).

Free Online Resources

Several online portals provide free access to certain criminal record information:

1. myCase Public Portal - The Indiana Judicial Branch's Vigo County court records system offers free basic searches without requiring registration. Users can access:

   • Case summaries
   • Charge information
   • Hearing dates
   • Party information
   • Case status

2. Vigo County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup - The Sheriff's Office jail information page provides free access to current inmate information, including:

   • Current inmates and recent bookings
   • Charges
   • Bond information
   • Next court dates

3. Indiana Sex and Violent Offender Registry - This statewide database offers free searches for registered sex offenders residing in Vigo County.

Fee-Based Services

While the resources above are free, certain criminal record searches do require payment:

• Certified copies of court records ($1.00 per document plus $1.00 per page)
• Complete criminal history reports through the Indiana State Police ($16.32 per search)
• Background check services that compile information from multiple sources

It is important to note that free resources may have limitations in terms of:

• The depth and comprehensiveness of information provided
• The time period covered (particularly for older records)
• The ability to access complete case files
• The frequency of updates to online information

For the most comprehensive criminal record information, combining free inspection with targeted fee-based searches often provides the most complete results.

What's Included in a Vigo County Criminal Record?

Criminal records in Vigo County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information that collectively provide a detailed account of criminal proceedings.

Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and any known aliases
• Date of birth
• Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
• Booking photograph (mugshot)
• Last known address
• State Identification (SID) number
• FBI number (if applicable)
• Driver's license number (for driving-related offenses)
• Fingerprint classification

Arrest Information:

• Date and time of arrest
• Arresting agency (Vigo County Sheriff, Terre Haute Police, etc.)
• Booking number and facility
• Charges filed at time of arrest
• Probable cause affidavit
• Bail/bond amount and status
• Pre-trial detention information
• Arresting officer information

Court Case Information:

• Case number and filing date
• Court of jurisdiction (Vigo Circuit Court or Superior Courts)
• Judge assigned to the case
• Formal charges filed by prosecutor
• Statute citations for alleged violations
• Classification of charges (felony class or misdemeanor class)
• Plea information
• Defense attorney information
• Prosecutor information
• Hearing dates and continuances
• Motion filings and rulings
• Evidence submissions

Disposition and Sentencing:

• Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
• Conviction date
• Sentencing details:
  • Incarceration terms (length, facility)
  • Probation terms and conditions
  • Fines and court costs
  • Restitution orders
  • Community service requirements
  • Treatment program mandates
• Appeals filed and outcomes
• Probation/parole status and violations
• Completion of sentence documentation

Additional Information:

• Active warrants (if applicable)
• Protective orders or restraining orders
• Sex offender registration requirements
• Habitual offender status
• DUI/DWI history
• Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
• Pending charges in other jurisdictions
• Prior criminal history references

The Clerk of the Vigo Circuit Court maintains these records in accordance with Indiana court procedures. Criminal records are typically organized by case number and maintained both electronically and in physical form for cases predating digital record-keeping.

It should be noted that pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-38-9, certain records may be eligible for expungement or sealing under Indiana's Second Chance Law, in which case they would no longer appear in standard criminal record searches.

How Long Does Vigo County Keep Criminal Records?

Vigo County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Indiana Archives and Records Administration and the Indiana Supreme Court. These schedules dictate how long different types of criminal records must be preserved before they may be destroyed or archived.

The retention of criminal records in Vigo County is governed primarily by Indiana Administrative Rule 7, which establishes record retention requirements for all courts in the state. Additionally, the Indiana Code § 5-15-5.1-5 provides the statutory framework for public records retention.

Court Records Retention Periods:

• Felony Cases:

  • Murder and Class A felony cases: Permanent retention
  • Class B, C, D, and Level 1-6 felonies: 55 years after final disposition
  • Case indexes: Permanent retention

• Misdemeanor Cases:

  • Class A, B, and C misdemeanors: 10 years after final disposition
  • Case indexes: Permanent retention

• Infraction and Ordinance Violation Cases:

  • 5 years after final disposition
  • Case indexes: 10 years

• Probation Records:

  • Felony probation records: Same as the underlying case (typically 55 years)
  • Misdemeanor probation records: 5 years after probation completion

• Search Warrants and Investigative Records:

  • Executed search warrants: 10 years
  • Unexecuted search warrants: 2 years
  • Grand jury records: Permanent retention

Law Enforcement Records Retention:

The Vigo County Sheriff's Office maintains records according to the following general guidelines:

• Arrest Records:

  • Felony arrests: 10 years minimum
  • Misdemeanor arrests: 5 years minimum
  • Arrest photographs and fingerprints: Permanent retention

• Incident Reports:

  • Reports resulting in arrests: Retained with corresponding case
  • Reports not resulting in arrests: 5 years

• Jail Records:

  • Inmate booking information: 10 years
  • Jail logs and daily reports: 3 years
  • Inmate medical records: 10 years after release

It is important to note that while these retention schedules establish minimum retention periods, many records are kept longer in practice, particularly since the advent of electronic record-keeping systems. Additionally, records of historical significance may be transferred to the Indiana State Archives for permanent preservation rather than being destroyed after their retention period expires.

Criminal records that have been expunged pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-38-9 are sealed from public access but are typically maintained under restricted access for administrative purposes.

Lookup Criminal Records in Vigo County

Vigo County Sheriff's Office

Sheriff's Office Information

Jail Information and Inmate Lookup

Contact the Sheriff's Office

Clerk of the Vigo Circuit Court

Vigo County Court Information

Court Records Division

Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History Search

Criminal Background Checks Information

Get Limited Criminal History from Indiana State Police